Working with 3D assets often involves managing a substantial amount of data, whether it’s a static image or a dynamic scene. The way this data is saved, opened, and edited across various applications in your workflow can significantly impact your project’s efficiency and success. Prior to the widespread adoption of the glTF (Graphics Language Transmission Format) Open Standard file format, dealing with large file sizes was a common obstacle in the world of 3D content creation.
In today’s landscape, thanks to glTF, tasks that were once cumbersome – such as integrating 3Ds Max images into web applications or displaying them on a web page – have become remarkably straightforward. This format’s lightweight design, rapid transfer speeds, and compatibility as an Open Standard empower users to handle, create, and edit extensive 3D data with unprecedented ease and efficiency.
3ds Max Prominent Use Cases of glTF
Today, glTF files are at the core of several high-profile products that provide user-friendly solutions, particularly in the eCommerce sector. Examples include the Augmented Reality furniture showcasing feature in the “IKEA Place” app and the 360-degree model viewer and editor used in Nike’s “Nike By You” sneaker customization service. These applications effortlessly visualize intricate 3D assets using glTF files.
Autodesk’s Commitment to Open Standards
With the recent introduction of full glTF support in 3ds Max 2023, Autodesk proudly reaffirms its commitment to open standards, 3ds Max’s functionality, and your creative freedom as an artist or designer. Being an Open Standard, glTF files exported from 3ds Max maintain consistency across any application that opens them, offering a versatile, efficient workflow regardless of your industry. It’s no surprise that glTF has gained widespread adoption in the few years since its inception.
Understanding glTF
Khronos Group introduced glTF in 2015 as a file format primarily designed for 3D content. This versatile format is used in both 3D engines and applications, with its core mission being the reduction of 3D asset sizes in scenes or models. Additionally, glTF minimizes the need for extensive runtime processing, resulting in faster and more efficient transfer of 3D data across networks. The format’s global adoption saw significant growth following Khronos’ glTF 2.0 update in 2017.
Conclusion
As the 3D content creation landscape continues to evolve, the importance of open standards like glTF cannot be overstated. Autodesk’s integration of full glTF support into 3ds Max is a testament to their dedication to empowering creators and enhancing the efficiency of 3D workflows. With glTF’s lightweight, versatile, and universally compatible nature, it has undoubtedly become a cornerstone of modern 3Ds Max content creation, revolutionizing the way we handle and share 3D assets across diverse applications and industries.